Meryl Barnett

Meryl G. Barnett, 94, of Borger died Sunday, December 18, 2016 in Borger.

Services will be 11:00 a.m. Thursday, December 22, 2016 at the First United Methodist Church with Pastor Pam Lehman of the First United Methodist Church officiating. Burial will follow in the garden of "Hope" at Westlawn Memorial Park. Services are under the direction of Minton Chatwell Funeral Directors of Borger.

Meryl Barnett was born February 9, 1922 in Hillsborough, Oklahoma to Bower and Arrie May (Thompson) Barnett.

Meryl graduated high school in 1940, and joined the National Guard, and then the United States Army, 45th Infantry Division for five years, from September, 1940 to August, 1945. He served in the European Theater of Operations for over two years in nine major campaigns, four beachhead landings, and was awarded the Bronze Star for action on the Anzio Beachhead. His division was responsible for the liberation of the Dachau Concentration Camp, something that had indelibly marked his entire being.

During the time he was stationed at Fort Devens, Massachusetts, he met and married Beatrice "Betty" Brown November 17, 1942 in Carthage, New York. After his discharge from the Army they moved to Borger, both Meryl and Betty worked for plants that were owned by the United States Government and leased to U.S. Rubber, and Phillips which were sold to them after WW II.

Meryl spent 40 years working for Phillips where he retired as plant superintendent. He was Hutchinson County Republican Chairman for 30 years, Meryl served on the Borger City Council for 18 years, most of which was as Mayor Pro-Tem. He also was a member of the Borger Rotary Club, he served as President of North Plains Hospital Board, and was on the Board of the First Savings & Loan. Meryl was a member of the Borger Chamber of Commerce for many years, and was elected by the members as Ambassador of the year, and chosen as Citizen of the Year for 2016. He also raised birds for the City of Borger Bird Sanctuary as his favorite hobby.

Survivors include his wife Beatrice "Betty" Barnett; his son Gerald Barnett and wife Tisha of Amarillo; two daughters Fleta Barnett of Claude, Greta Bass and husband Rodney of Wheeler; five grandchildren Joshua Barnett, Jonathan and Matthew Litterell, Craig Bass and Amanda Green, Rachel and Camden Dorris; two great-grandchildren Hazen and Bauer Dorris.
Meryl is preceded in death by his parents; four brothers Oval, Alston, Beryl, and Melvis Barnett; two sisters Novella Hedger, and Cledith Shadoan.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to Honor Flight www.honorflight.org/donate-now, or the City of Borger Bird Sanctuary PO Box 5250 Borger, Texas 79007.

Service

First United Methodist Church
200 N. McGee St.
Borger, TX  79007
Thursday, December 22, 2016
11:00 a.m.

Cemetery

Westlawn Memorial Park
6 Miles West Hwy 136
Borger, TX  79007

Memorial Contributions

City of Borger Bird Sanctuary
PO Box 5250
Borger, TX  79007

Honor Flight Inc.
Attn: Diane Gresse 175 S. Tuttle Rd.
Springfield, OH  45505